Bodies set rider for surrendering arms
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 21 2025: Disapproving the Governor's appeal for surrendering arms within seven days, 12 women's organisations of the state said that they ensure return of the arms in possession of village volunteers in case the Governor can give the assurance that armed Kukis will never launch attack again.

Addressing media persons at All Manipur Women's Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) office on Friday, All Manipur Tami-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Y Momon reminded all concerned that village volunteers left the comfort of homes to protect lives and properties of the people after armed Kukis waged war against the Meetei since May 3, 2023 .

Bodies set rider for surrendering arms

The Governor's appeal to youth and village volunteers to surrender arms within seven days is not tenable, she said, while asserting that the women's organisations would shoulder responsibility for returning arms only if the Governor can guarantee safety of the Meetei from aggression by the Kukis.

While asserting that village volunteers came out and protected lives and properties of the people from relentless attacks by armed Kukis, who were seemingly emboldened by security forces' inaction, Y Momon said village volunteers cannot be criminalised.

Mothers of the land are ready to do the needful in case the government makes any move to arrest genuine village volunteers, she declared.

Chipping in, Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani said that village volunteers cannot be arrested by imposing President's Rule and suggested that the state's administrator introspect the compelling factors for emergence of village volunteers.

A popular government must be formed at the earliest and take steps to protect village volunteers, she said and demanded immediate revocation of President's Rule.

Rejecting the Governor's appeal for surrendering arms within seven days, the Nupi Samaj leader questioned as to why no action is taken against armed Kukis.

She warned that people of Manipur might demand separation from India and self-rule if the Centre does not revoke President's Rule and ignores sentiment and suffering of the people.

AMKIL president L Nganbi also told media persons that it is a firm decision of the people and mothers of Manipur that village volunteers should not be arrested and Government of India must understand the pulse of the people.

Seeking explanation for serving the seven days' ultimatum to surrender arms, L Nganbi said the Governor must first make it clear to the people on who are the aggressors and who defended the state's masses before making the appeal for surrendering arms.

The media briefing was also attended by representatives of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL), Nongchup Imphal Palem Ima Apunba Nupi Lup (NIMPAL), Nongpok Leifigak Apunba Nupi Lup (NLANL), Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL) Bishnupur, Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation (Thoubal Ima), Manipuri Chanura Leishem Marup (MACHA LEIMA), Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinasinlon (EECHAL), Extra-Judicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), Khwairamband Ima Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup, and Khwairamband Ima Keithel Phouoibi Vendors' Welfare Union.